There are some homes that have a traditional fireplace – but it cannot be used. It is possible that the owners before you did not clean it out like they should have. Now it is full of soot and ash and sometimes even bugs. It is sad to have such a beautiful piece of art that you cannot even use. Luckily there is a way that you can breathe life into it again.
The best way to salvage something like this is to install a fireplace insert. These come in electric or gas and can be installed directly into any existing fireplace. They do not always feel or look like what we are used to – but most people prefer them.
- Lay down a piece of heavy cardboard on the hearth in front of the fireplace. Place the insert on the cardboard and slowly slide it toward the rear wall of the fireplace. The unit must be centered into the opening.
- Remove the damper and slide the flue liner down through the top of the chimney. Place the bottom end into the flue collar adapter that is on the top of the insert. Now connect the liner to the collar using screws and cut off any excess liner at the top of the chimney.
- Make lines using chalk on the top and sides of the insert. These marks should in lined up with the front and sides of the fireplace opening.
- Pull the insert out slightly so you can access the already drilled holes on the top and sides. Loosely screw the top extenders panel to the insert. Now place the panel so that it covers the chalk line and tighten the screws. Install the two side panels the same way.
- Apply chimney caulk to the joints that are in between the insert and the extender panels. Make sure that you also caulk the seams in between the top and side panels.
- Finally you will connect the insulation strips to the back of the panel and slide the insert into the fireplace. Make sure the extenders are laying flat against the opening.